Join us in Olympia for the “Have a Heart” Rally
Given the sheer volume of policy and budget matters under consideration that affect skilled nursing and assisted living care, WHCA is collaborating with our members with great focus to ensure their interests are represented in Olympia.
We are asking our members to come to Olympia in force on Friday, February 14 to meet with legislators and invite policymakers to “Have a Heart for Seniors and Caregivers” during a rally on the steps of the Capitol.
Join us at our hospitality tent starting at 11:00 am. We have invited key legislators to attend a rally at noon, where WHCA CEO Carma Matti-Jackson will be joined by our friends and rally co-sponsors from LeadingAge and SEIU 775 to recognize these legislative champions and urge support for Washington’s long-term care workforce.
We are proud to have already received commitments from these leaders in long-term care advocacy:
- Avamere Living
- Brookdale Senior Living
- Caldera Care
- Caring Places Management
- Cascadia Healthcare
- Cascadia Senior Living
- Chehalis West Assisted Living
- Life Care Centers of America
- Noble Healthcare
- PACS
- Prestige Senior Living
- Regency Pacific Management
- Tacoma Nursing & Rehabilitation
- Unified Care Systems
Add your facility’s name to this impressive list today! Commit to attend by pre-registering here. Our government affairs team will be in touch to help make sure you get a chance to connect with legislators and make your voice heard.
Your Participation Makes the Difference!
State budget woes will continue to dominate discussions on Capitol Hill as budget leaders in the House and Senate prepare two-year operating budget proposals for FY2025-2027. Newly elected Governor Bob Ferguson is at odds with his Democrat colleagues on managing the $12 billion operating budget deficit, preferring budget cuts over revenue proposals.
As you’ve undoubtedly seen in news headlines, potential modifications to federal Medicaid funding may also impact our state legislators as they set the course for our sector for the next two years. Our message is two-fold:
- The legislature has made good strides over the past two years to improve the sustainability of the system.
- Now is not the time to go backwards. The age wave is here. People need access to the care we provide, and our workforce relies heavily on Medicaid funding for adequate wages and benefits.
The legislature is also looking at a number of policy matters that impact our members. This bill tracker demonstrates the sheer volume of issues the legislature is considering this year. When you show up for this rally, you help draw attention to that critical message. The more people attend, the more visibility for our cause!
We are counting on your support to advance bipartisan support for skilled nursing and assisted living care and rise above other interests competing for the legislature’s attention. This is a powerful opportunity to advocate.
We look forward to seeing you in Olympia next week!
